Cockpit USA A-2 on ebay - bargain? worth it?

• Jan 7, 2014

• #1

fukigen

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Hello,

I saw this cockpit USA A-2 on the bay (there are 2 offers for 44l and 1 for 38)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cockpit-USA...61?pt=US_CSA_MC_Outerwear&hash=item2ecd77cb71

but for a new jacket, the price seems low (the initial bid price can always be low, but the buy it now is really low)...

I am always heistant to buy jacket on the bay, especially here I cannot clearly see the tag/label.
Also, the velcro are for gov. issued a-2, here it seems not to be one...
and description mentionning "USA goatskin finished to look like WWII horsehide." seems odd.

could you please tell me what you think? is it a real bargain, or is it too good to be true?
and what about cockpit usa goatskin quality?

many thanks

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #2

Atticus Finch

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The 1998 issued Avirex A-2s are very nice jackets. I have two and one of them may be my favorite leather jacket. But I have heard that the quality of the later issued Cockpit A-2s is not on par with the '98 Avirex, especially with respect to the leather.

AF

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #3

Aerojoe

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Not worh it. That model has velcros for patches on the chest :eusa_doh:

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #4

Atticus Finch

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Aerojoe said:

Not worh it. That model has velcros for patches on the chest :eusa_doh:

Click to expand...

All current issue A-2s have velcro reeivers on the chest. I get the impression the seller is representing it as essentialy a dead stock current issue jacket.

AF

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #5

fukigen

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basically the velcro is not an issue for me,

I was more wondering about how is it possible to have a new jacket for only 200-250 when it is around 400-500+ on cockpit website.
dead stock would be a plausible explanation

many thanks for the inputs

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #6

Aerojoe

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Atticus Finch said:

All current issue A-2s have velcro reeivers on the chest.

Click to expand...

A police badge shaped velcro still looks horrible on a jacket, even if "current issue" has them. None of the Cockpit A-2s have velcros in their current line.

I have 3 of their G-1s but haven't tried any of their A-2, therefore I can't provide an educated opinion.

Cockpit G-1s are very plain and functunional, nothing luxury like their European and Japanese competitors, but they are very wearable. I grab one of them on a daily basis lately. You can second-hand them for $200-$300. I paid 300 for my mil-spec G-1.

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #7

Atticus Finch

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Aerojoe said:

A police badge shaped velcro still looks horrible on a jacket, even if "current issue" has them. None of the Cockpit A-2s have velcros in their current line.

Click to expand...

I think we are singing from different pages in the hymnal.

If you collect military jackets...real, actually-issued ones as opposed to reproduction jackets...then Velcro receivers are something that comes with the territory. Modern CWUs, deck jackets and CVCs all have them. I think the seller in this auction is offering a jacket that is a production overrun from an actual military contract. At least that’s how it appears to me, not having seen the tag. As such, it doesn’t really make sense to compare it to what’s on the Cockpit website. Those jackets are civilian reproductions. Not saying repros aren’t worthy. Just saying this auction appears aimed at a different audience.

AF

 

Last edited: Jan 7, 2014

• Jan 7, 2014

• #8

Atticus Finch

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Perhaps a good way to determine if the seller's price is reasonable is to look at some completed sales of issued Avirex and Cockpit A-2s. Maybe even glance at some completed sales of Saddlery and Branded Leather issued A-2s as well. But be sure to look only at the issued, military jackets.

AF

 

• Jan 7, 2014

• #9

fukigen

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I have asked the seller for a closer picture of the tag, to have more info about the jacket... I will come back here if I get this info.

other issued jackets are about the same price range, but most of the time used, not new.